Page 27 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

The sun was bright, and the air was crisp when Isadore dashed out of his home. Sebastian’s dark car sat at the curb, idling. Making sure his braid was fastened first, Isadore slid into the passenger seat and kissed Sebastian hello. A soft pink brightened Sebastian’s cheeks, but he didn’t complain or jerk back. Progress had been made.

“Where’s your hat?” The words were strangled as Sebastian fumbled with a takeout cup before passing it to Isadore.

“In my pocket, along with my mitts and scarf,” Isadore assured Sebastian. “I have your list of suggested items in my wallet as well. Good morning, Sebastian.”

“Oh, right. Morning, Isadore. Did you sleep okay?” Sebastian turned to peek at Isadore. A furrow of determination had settled on his brow, but he was at ease as he shifted the car into drive. He handled the frosty roads with confidence. “I’m looking forward to this hike. You should really enjoy it too.”

“Well, I guarantee I will. I’m hanging out with you in an area in which you thrive. No one should bother us, so all in all, pretty amazing plans.”

“It’s just–I don’t want–I think…I’m hoping you won’t think I’m a loser,” Sebastian stammered. He tightened his hold on the steering wheel and glared out the glass.

“Sebastian, sweets, I will have fun today because you will. We send out the aura we wish to receive. Don’t try to censor or contain yourself because of me. I want your thoughts to be unfiltered, and I won’t get upset.” Isadore wished he could do more to ease Sebastian’s nerves. However, time was the only healer at this point. “I brought everything you told me to, including a water bottle and extra snacks.”

“If there’s any moment when you’re bored, tell me. I’ve done this hike so often that it’s another day for me.” Sebastian glanced at Isadore before returning his attention to the road. His knuckles were white with tension.

“Bas, darling. We’ll be fine. Just take a breath and let out all the nerves. Nothing can go wrong.” Isadore settled in his seat and allowed Sebastian to chauffeur them to the trailhead.

Once parked, Isadore studied his companion with a critical eye. Sebastian wore a thick toque hiding his beautiful hair, and his coat was rated for below zero weather. The fabric was waterproof while the waistband cinched close to his body. No way was cold air going up his torso. Sebastian’s boots were thick-soled and covered his calf. He was ready to kick ass. Isadore swooned at how hot Sebastian was. If only Sebastian could see himself.

Sebastian took long strides toward Isadore and fussed with his jacket and toque, making sure all of Isadore’s sensitive bits were covered. Isadore grinned as Sebastian pulled the zipper under his chin. Leaning forward, Isadore pressed a light kiss on Sebastian’s surprised mouth. “You are so fucking sexy right now, taking care of me like this.”

Blinking, Sebastian gazed into Isadore's eyes. “You’re so odd.”

Isadore grinned before kissing Sebastian once more. He was like coffee and mint, both tasty and addictive. Isadore meant to keep the kiss light, but he didn’t count on Sebastian sinking into the embrace, holding tight to Isadore’s lapels. The touch of lips exploded into feelings of lust and need. Pulling away from his soft lips was one of the hardest choices Isadore had to make, and hellfire, he wished Sebastian didn’t look so sad. “Dammit, Bas, I was trying to reassure you, not fucking bang you.”

Sebastian tipped his head to the side and licked his lips. Again, Isadore wished they weren’t at the beginning of Sebastian’s epic hike. He ached to wreck that mouth in ways that were illegal in thirty dimensions. “Thank you? I think?”

“One day, you’re not going to stutter or stammer when I suggest such dubious activities.” Isadore brushed a gloved thumb over Sebastian’s full lower lip. “Then again, maybe that’s not terrible. Anyhoo, allons-y, Alonso.”

“You like the Doctor?” Sebastian led them to the trailhead, their steps crushing the dusting of snow on the path.

“I do. Harry introduced the show to me when I first arrived in Granite. He started me on the Chris Eccleston years, and I confess, he’s my favourite.” Isadore walked through the trailhead gate into what appeared to be a winter wonderland. Allthe trees were frost-covered, while each branch had a smattering of snow. A hushed feeling filtered through the forest as though they were the only creatures alive. Isadore was in awe of the eerily beautiful location.

The tension in Sebastian’s posture disappeared as they began their walk. His chatter, stiff and broken, changed to a more natural tone as they ventured deeper. His enthusiasm grew by leaps and bounds as he showed Isadore various tree types and sneaky squirrels. This was the Sebastian Isadore ached to discover. To see him so delighted with the world was addictive. Isadore was having the time of his life.

Abruptly, Sebastian paused in the middle of the woods. No noise could be heard but the distant trickle of water. With a determined frown, he grasped Isadore’s chin in a gentle grip. His thumb swept across Isadore’s cheekbone as he kissed Isadore in what had to be the most adoring yet innocent bit of affection he’d ever been blessed to receive. His eyelids fluttered shut, and Isadore followed as Sebastian led them from a sweet and chaste kiss to a passionate embrace. Holding tight to Sebastian’s arms, Isadore–not content to follow–took control and licked the seam of Sebastian’s mouth until a soft gasp broke the stillness, and he allowed Isadore in. Isadore traced the inside of Sebastian’s mouth, teasing him with light touches. Sebastian relaxed, inviting Isadore to lead. He licked the damp lower lip before nipping it.

Isadore tightened his hands along the waistband of Sebastian’s coat and wished he could feel the soft skin of Sebastian’s side. Pulling back, Isadore grinned at the evidence of a very good kiss. Sebastian was flush with desire, his lips puffy, and his eyes were dilated and hazy from lust. “The expression on your face is worth everything. I can handle freezing balls if you kiss me like that again.”

“Okay, sure?” Sebastian smacked his lips and stood frozen in the middle of the path. His confusion was adorable, but the air wasn’t getting any warmer. Isadore waited for a few minutes for Sebastian’s brain to kickstart before prodding him into continuing their hike. This was the absolute perfect morning. If nothing else happened, he'd received a fantastic kiss from his shy Sebastian.

“So, tell me about these falls. Why did you have to coerce me into seeing them?” Isadore asked as he grabbed Sebastian’s hand and swung it gently. The cold air had a wonderful dousing effect on his painful dick. Clothes were going to stay on as long as they were outside.

“I didn’t coerce you.” Sebastian sighed. “I don’t have the words to explain what they mean to me. The majesty of them is second to none in our small area. You don’t expect a waterfall without being so close to the escarpment. So, it’s a fun geographical anomaly.”

Isadore basked in Sebastian’s lecture on the waterfall. This was the reason why he went on a hike in December. Sebastian’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Isadore could listen to him all day. Tugging Sebastian to a stop, he stepped close and kissed him once more. The surprised "oof" was pleasing to Isadore’s ears. “You are fucking adorable.”

“Thank you. We’re almost there.” Sebastian touched his lips with a reverence before spinning around and pushing onward.

“I can hear the roar. I have to say this has been amazing.” Isadore allowed Sebastian to continue to lead them toward the noisy water. It gave him the opportunity to stare at Sebastian's ass without him becoming embarrassed or self-conscious. Courting Sebastian was a challenge, but Isadore wouldn’t change anything for the world. So what if he wanted nothing more to take him and ravish him with no thought or consideration? Sebastian would be okay with Isadore’s actions,however, he wouldn’t be enthusiastic, and that, in the end, was Isadore’s goal.

“I’ve had a really good time too.” Sebastian bumped shoulders with Isadore. Each unbidden touch was a godsend to Isadore.

“Let’s continue on before things become more stilted and awkward.” Isadore nudged Sebastian in the direction of the hike, hoping the joke would land as he meant it.

“I’m already there,” Sebastian muttered. Isadore shimmied in a quick victory dance. Had Sebastian’s real voice found its footing?

“Anyway, on with the day. We’ve got people to do and places to go.” Isadore took a glance at the sky and grimaced. Dark clouds were rolling in, adding a bit of a damper bite to the air.

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